Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple | Trimbakeshwar Lingam Nashik
The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is an important holy site of western India. The temple is located at Trimbak and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Every year thousands of people from all over the country flock to the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple because it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas spread all over India. This Jyotirling in Maharashtra is believed to have been constructed sometime in the 18th century at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hills. The local ruler at the time was Maratha Peshwa Nana Saheb and he was the one who commissioned the construction of the temple. The architecture of the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is a classic example of the design sensibilities of the Marathas of the period. The three main facades of the temple were built to represent the three most powerful Hindu deities – Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra.
View this post on Instagram
Tourists and historians visit Trimbakeshwar for its architectural beauty and historical relevance. But Shaivite devotees believe that the temple has special powers associated with longevity because of its association with the mantra for immortality, the Mrityunjay Mantra. The river Godavari also originates from the Brahmagiri Hills, giving the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, located in the same area, some added power in the local imagination.
But unfortunately, only men are allowed into the main ‘garbhagriha’ (core) of the temple. Men have to put on a sovala (silk dhoti) to enter the temple premises. Women visitors can only enjoy the external beauty of the temple and its surroundings.
How to Reach the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple from Nashik?
To reach Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple from Nashik, you can follow the following transportation options:
By Road: Trimbakeshwar is located approximately 30 kilometers away from Nashik, and it can be easily reached by road. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar. The journey takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic conditions.
By Local Buses: Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) operates regular bus services from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar. You can board a bus from various bus stands in Nashik, such as the CBS (Central Bus Station) or Panchavati, and travel to Trimbakeshwar. It is an affordable and convenient option for transportation.
By Private Vehicles: If you have your own vehicle or prefer a more personalized mode of transport, you can drive from Nashik to Trimbakeshwar. The route is well-connected and easily accessible. You can follow the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Road or take the NH160 route for a smooth journey.
By Cab/Taxi: Hiring a cab or taxi is a comfortable and hassle-free way to reach Trimbakeshwar from Nashik. You can book a taxi service in Nashik, and the driver will take you directly to Trimbakeshwar. It offers convenience, especially for tourists or those who prefer a dedicated mode of transport.
Before traveling, it is advisable to check the current road conditions and seek guidance from locals or travel agencies for the best route options and any updated information regarding transportation.
View this post on Instagram
Nashik to Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple Distance
The exact distance between Nashik and Trimbakeshwar is around 28 kms, which makes it convenient to plan a day trip from the city. Visitors can start early in the day, visit the temple and offer their prayers and then come back to the city all on the same day.
Must Read: Dive into the World of Prati Kedarnath Nashik (प्रति केदारनाथ नाशिक) – Must visit in 2022
Best Time to Visit the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
October to March is generally the peak tourist season at this temple. Devotees may have to wait in line to get a pandit and enter the temple. Prices for accommodations and transport in the area also go up during this time.
The monsoon months between July and September are much less crowded and prices are lower. But visitors may have to deal with bad weather conditions.
History of Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
There are many local legends associated with the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple. The most popular story goes that Trimbak was once the home of a powerful sage called Gautama Rishi and his wife, Ahilya. When a devastating drought hit Trimbak, this sage prayed to the God of Water, Lord Varuna, for rains. Lord Varuna answered his prayers and sent plenty of water to quench the drought in the area. This brought Gautama Rishi a lot of fame and made other sages and mystics in the area jealous of him.
Some of them banded together and prayed to Lord Ganesha for a cow that would destroy the flourishing crops of Guatama’s fields. But this cow died suddenly before it could harm Gautama. Gautama now feared that he had perhaps accidentally contributed to the death of this cow and started praying to Lord Shiva for forgiveness. Shiva was impressed with Gautama’s humility and compassion and decided to bless him.
Lord Shiva asked River Ganga to come down on earth and flow down from the Brahmagiri Hills (now the Godavari River). The legend also states that Gautama Rishi saved some of this holy water in a special vessel which is known as the Kushavarta Kund (the origin point of the river Godavari and a sacred site). The story goes that Lord Shiva decided to grant Rishi Gautama another wish. As per the rishi’s request, Shiva himself came down to reside in Trimbak in the form of a linga. This linga later became the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple.
There is another lesser-known legend associated with the temple as well. Some believe that the Trimbakeshwar lingam is the spot where Lord Shiva hid to escape Lord Brahma’s wrath after he accused Lord Brahma of lying about finding the end point of the mythical infinite pillar of light.
Rituals and Different Poojas at Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple has very strict rules for its devotees. In order to offer worship in the Abhishekam, every devotee has to pay and hire a pandit of the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple.
Devotees mainly come to this temple to offer the Maha Rudrabhishek or the Laghu Rudrabhishek. These pujas are performed daily between 5 AM and 9 AM. The Mahamrityunjay Pooja is also performed at the same time and is meant to help devotees have a long and healthy life.
Some visitors come to Trimbakeshwar to perform the Tripindi Shradh for the eternal peace of their deceased loved ones.
Two other common poojas performed at this temple are the Kaal Sarp Pooja and the Narayan Nagabali Pooja, both of which are meant to remove obstacles and curses in different aspects of the life of the devotee.
Must Read: Lonad Caves & Khandeshwari Temple – Interesting Facts to Know
Festivals Celebrated at the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
Since this is a Shiva Temple, the celebration of Mahashivaratri in March/February is the biggest festival at Trimbakeshwar. The Tripuri Purnima of November/December and the Rath Purnima of January/February are also celebrated with pomp.
When the Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years many pilgrims come to the Kaushavarta Kund to take a bath in the scared waters of the river Godavari. They also make sure to offer worship at the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple after their bath.
10 Best Places To Celebrate Maha Shivratri Festival In India
Architecture of the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple has the classic Nagara architectural style of the 18th century. It is constructed completely in black stone and has beautiful images of deities, flowers, animals and humans carved on its walls. There is a large open courtyard within the temple complex followed by a raised platform called the shikhara. The shikhara of the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple has a beautiful stone lotus carved into it. The main lingam is housed in the core area or garbhagriha of the temple. This core area has a hall in front of it. The hall has entrances on three sides and is intricately decorated.
The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is an architectural marvel that all tourists and visitors can appreciate. The ambience of the temple, with its aura of peace and power, is also said to be worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. So, pack some lunch and set off early on a weekend holiday to take a look at this only Shiva temple nestled into the foothills of lush greenery.
Featured Image – https://utsav.gov.in/
World’s Second Tallest Shiva Statue at Shri Murudeshwar Temple
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple:
Q1: Where is Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple located?
A: Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is situated in the town of Trimbak in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India.
Q2: What is the significance of Trimbakeshwar Temple?
A: Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is considered one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (sacred abodes of Lord Shiva) in India. It holds immense religious and mythological significance for Hindus.
Q3: Can anyone visit Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple?
A: Yes, the temple is open to all visitors, regardless of their caste, creed, or nationality. However, certain rituals and areas of the temple might be restricted to specific individuals or specific times.
Q4: What is the architectural style of Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple?
A: The temple showcases traditional Hindu temple architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures. It exhibits a distinct fusion of North Indian and South Indian architectural elements.
Q5: Are there any specific dress code requirements for visiting the temple?
A: Visitors are advised to dress modestly and adhere to traditional norms. It is recommended to wear attire that covers the shoulders and knees as a mark of respect.
Q6: Are there any specific rituals or ceremonies performed at Trimbakeshwar Temple?
A: Several rituals and ceremonies are conducted at the temple, including Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity), Maha Puja (grand worship), and Rudrabhishekam (offering of holy water to Lord Shiva). These rituals hold significant spiritual importance.
Q7: Is it possible to take a holy bath in the sacred Kushavarta Kund near the temple?
A: Yes, visitors have the opportunity to take a holy bath in the Kushavarta Kund, which is believed to be a sacred bathing spot associated with the river Godavari. It is considered purifying and spiritually rejuvenating.
Q8: Are there any festivals or special events celebrated at Trimbakeshwar Temple?
A: The temple observes various festivals, with the most significant one being the Maha Shivaratri festival, dedicated to Lord Shiva. During this period, the temple witnesses a surge of devotees who gather to offer prayers and seek divine blessings.
Q9: Are there any nearby attractions to explore while visiting Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple?
A: Trimbakeshwar offers a picturesque location surrounded by the beautiful Sahyadri mountains. Nearby attractions include Brahmagiri Hill, Anjaneri Fort, and the scenic Godavari River.
Q10: Are there any accommodation options available for pilgrims near the temple?
A: Yes, there are several guesthouses, hotels, and dharamshalas (pilgrim accommodations) available in and around Trimbakeshwar to cater to the needs of visitors and pilgrims.
Please note that specific practices, regulations, and timings may vary, and it is advisable to check with the temple authorities or local guides for the most accurate and up-to-date information before planning a visit to Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple.
